Russia's Samus Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant has completed modernisation work on an inland tug operated by local transport specialist Northern River Shipping Company (NRSC).
The upgrade works on Plotovod-716 – which was originally built in Arkhangelsk in 1986 under the Soviet-designed Project R-33B series of river tugs – entailed replacement of the two main engines and the diesel generator as well as modernisation of the accommodation spaces through the installation of new bath, shower, and laundry facilities. Also completed were the replacement of the outer hull and renovation of the main deck.
The modernisation works on Plotovod-716 were carried out to prepare the tug for operations in Russian Arctic waters before the onset of winter. Upon rejoining the NRSC fleet in the second half of June 2023, the tug will resume its duties assisting non-self-propelled barges transporting containers and general cargo in the inland waterways of the Russian Far North. The tug therefore aids in the transport of goods along the Northern Sea Route to various river ports and further out to ports on the Mediterranean, Baltic, White, and Kara Seas.
The tug nonetheless retains its overall dimensions and its Russian River Register certification. Like its Project R-33B sisters, it has an LOA of 32 metres, a beam of 7.6 metres, a maximum draught of 1.49 metres, and a deadweight of 63. The diesel engines are fed by fuel tanks with a total capacity of 38,600 litres.
Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country's leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.
| Plotovod-716 | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | River tug |
| Classification: | Russian River Register |
| Flag: | Russia |
| Owner: | Northern River Shipping Company, Russia |
| Builder: | Samus Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant, Russia |
| Length overall: | 32 metres |
| Beam: | 7.6 metres |
| Draught: | 1.49 metres |
| Deadweight tonnage: | 63 |
| Main engines: | 2 |
| Type of fuel: | Diesel |
| Fuel capacity: | 38,600 litres |
| Accommodation: | Bath areas; shower rooms; laundry areas |
| Operational area: | Russian Arctic |
